I love love love this particular hike. I would characterize the trails as intermediate with rocky…read moreareas that require you to pay close attention to what you are doing. The trails are clearly marked but I recommend you take a photo of the smaller trail maps posted throughout the mountain for reference. Because the area is so large with many loop- arounds, having a map photo will prove very helpful. There area several areas near the top with beautiful scenic overlooks you just won't want to miss. This is a dandy hike!

This is a beautiful mountain not far from the Connecticut border. We've been here a few times since…read morediscovering it and really enjoy it. It's a gradual incline at first but still gives you a good workout and is steeper then it looks! Down the road there is another little preserve area with a lake that is perfect for an easy run without too much hill. Very beautiful area and perfect for a late summer and/or fall hike!

Loved this trail- a perfect mix of up and down! At the end…read moreof the trail is the park- get a drink of water there, then turn around to walk back- several views worth seeing- watched the birds and enjoyed the nature!

Goat Rock is a fairly short climb but it is a steep one and you need to be extremely careful as a…read moreslip on this slope could be a big problem. As you ascend, there are a number of switch backs which aid in the steep ascent, you should be in fairly good shape before you attempt this particular climb. Once at the top, there is a beautiful view of the pioneer valley and the towns of Hampden, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow ,Springfield and parts of CT. The best time of the year to climb the mountain is in the Fall when the foliage is at its peak, it can breathe taking in its beauty.

Miles of hiking trails, paved and graveled mountain roads, and scenic overlooks whichever way you…read moreascend, this is a perfect spot for a quiet weekend getaway, Even on a Sunday morning around peak Autumn foliage you can find many scenic spots no else already found. This can be a quick drive kind of spot or a great morning hike as trails to beaver ponds, glacial erratics, and picnic tables are all within a short distance of the forest roads. The fire tower was out of commission for years but has happily been restored, and interpretive signs at the top show each visible peak including, Mt. Tom and Mt. Monadnock among them, on clear enough days. The only facilities are a port-o-let at the bottom of Soapstone Road, so plan accordingly if you don't want to make the ten minute trip back down to Ellington.

Great views, easy hike through the woods, or up the paved access road, or drive up if you prefer!…read more Awesome local option for some nice views. Tips: Bring lunch if the weather is nice, there are picnic tables everywhere. DON'T MISS THE TOWER. It was repaired (major overhaul) recently and reopened to the public. Can't see it from the end of the access road, but it's an incredibly short walk from there. Go up toward and around the chain fence.

It's a winner. It's a proper hike with a good incline up to a meadow. If you wanted you could turn…read morearound there, or head to the sunrise view which makes for more incline. There are more options to add trails and make your hike longer or shorter. The views are lovely and the trail was well marked. It was a little muddy on this April Sunday but all in all, not bad. Recommend!

Scenic, relaxing and invigorating. A great escape that I can't recommend enough. My only complaint…read moreis parking is a bit of pain with limited space.

There's 4 access total, this one on S. Maple is the closest to the water. However, parking lot is…read moresmall & in the summer, I run into several vans parked there were working on AC. Looks like HVAC companies taking over the parking lot for work, one dude working out of his van was shirtless with full bear belly on display. I felt uncomfortable & left quickly. There's no park bench or anything like that along the river. The West entrance is the worst, smallest lot only fits 3 cars, long walking path to the river that's super narrow, some times only a foot wide & feels creepy, I'd avoid. The east entrance is very roomy, easily park 10 cars there with walking path 12 feet wide. However, it's very far to the river, at least half a mile walk. The 4th entrance is on Bayleys, I couldn't even find the parking lot, lol, nothing there.

A nice little secluded riverside scenic park. There are three trails, two of which are pretty…read moreovergrown once you get into the summer season. One follows along the river, one crosses the river into the woods, and the third goes up a small hill. They're all three quiet and surrounded by greenery and a pleasant, although not particularly long, walk. There's also parking for a few cars at the end of the road leading up to the trails.

What an enjoyable time we had strolling around the park on a gorgeous autumn day…read more We found our way to the hiking trail which was predominantly flat and low impact, just beware of the occasional tree root. We walked over a wooden bridge and followed the gray trail through the woods next to the Westfield River. The park wasn't too crowded, and we marveled at just how beautiful and peaceful and quiet the woods were. We also saw a gorgeous meadow with half a dozen pedestal grills, just perfect for picnics and family gatherings. We also saw a small strip of sand that was actually a beach!! Somewhere along the hike, we got our lower legs and sneakers covered in prickly stickers, so be careful where you walk. Those suckers were hard to dislodge!!

Not a fan. I went around 2 pm and spent 3 hours here. The dirt paths are short. I did a few loops…read more The road and pathway was closed just past the pond. Also didn't help I didn't have cell service in the park. So trying to find a decent trail to walk was impossible. Maybe better if the road was open past the pond. ‍ I won't be back here. I'd rather go back to the Ashley reservoir.

This is one of my absolute favorite places to hike! The trail around the main pond is very easy and…read morea very short hike. There are also a few places that have picnic table sites for you to grill at! I always notice people fishing, and I see people in the water with their inflatables. There are a few other trails to hike, which I highly recommend! The birding here is also fantastic. This place is magical!! Bring the pups! .... One last thought, just be aware that service is very patchy here!

Gorgeous lake and nature trails in a scenic, quiet, rural area. Nature-filled beauty! Picnic tables…read moreare great and often busy on holidays/weekends. I love this serene, beautiful place!

Great hiking trails, moderately challenging, with exhilarating views at the summits. We did just a…read moreshort hike, going up to Bare Mountain from the Notch, and it was a fun ascent with marvelous views of the countryside, farms, and other hills. The visitor center at the Notch is terrific, with friendly and knowledgeable staff, useful interpretive displays and maps, and clean restrooms. A great place to rest up and refresh after a hike. Just terrific and we plan to return in the fall to see the autumn colors!

Talk about a "Top Notch" place to go hiking!! Complete with a visitor center and everything. The…read moreonly thing I'll say is that I wish the trails would be better marked, but other then that it's a very nice place to stop and walk for a bit in the cool weather; very enjoyable.

Several good trails to the summit of Soapstone Mountain and trails that lead to a small lake…read moreinhabited by abundant wildlife. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills available, this is a beautiful spot to come and decompress surrounded by all that nature has to offer.